Disaster Relief

The natural disasters that have occurred this year are unprecedented. I am asking all Rotarians to consider giving generously to help those in need. It is certainly disheartening to see the news today and see that Hurricane Nate struck Louisiana and Mississippi. As I write this email the damage done by Nate is still unknown and many are without power.

The devastation on that Hurricane Maria had on Puerto Rico is heart breaking. Please consider giving $10.00 each to support the effort to help Puerto Rico. If every Rotarian in our district gave $10.00 we would raise almost $11,000. So I am asking you to please consider sending your donation to The District Office and we will forward it on to the appropriate organization.
Rotary is already working to help make a difference. The Rotary Foundation is collecting emergency relief funds to help victims of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria.

In addition, Rotary has established Donor Advised Funds for Puerto Rico and Mexico. Listed below is a recap of those funds:

Puerto Rico Recovery – Account # 614
Mexico Earthquakes – Account # 613
Hurricane Harvey – Account # 608
Hurricanes Irma and Maria – Account # 296

The Puerto Rico Recovery fund was established with a $1 million gift from the Murray Family Foundation with hopes that it will be matched by Rotarians and friends.

Shelter Box, Rotary’s partner for disaster relief, is providing tents for use as privacy tents to be pitched within the convention centers housing families that have been evacuated. Please direct inquiring Rotarians to the web story on Rotary.org for the most up-to-date information or to contact RI by writing to [email protected].

In addition, Linda Nese asking for donations so she can send a truck loaded with supplies for both Florida and Puerto Rico. Linda sent me an update for you to read about her efforts to make a difference:

Hi Tom,
I wanted to update you on what has been going on with our disaster relief projects.
Florida – Our truck leaves tomorrow evening for the Keys. We are sending cleaning supplies, bug spray, paper products and personal care items. We still have room in the truck for more donations if any of the clubs is able to help us. The Gloucester Twp./Pine Hill Rotary dropped off a large donation of sponges, buckets, mops, flashlights and work gloves on Saturday and Peg and Joe Castor also made a personal donation of work gloves, peroxide, vinegar and other items that are in demand.

Puerto Rico – I connected with Bert Lopez who is coordinating efforts in South Jersey. I was asked to speak at a rally yesterday in Atlantic City on behalf of “Hand Up” and the rotary to talk about our involvement. I was joined by Mayor Don Guardian, several state senators, Local 54 and other organizations who will be providing aid to Puerto Rico. Our center in Brigantine will be used as the holding site for all donations. Our volunteers will sort, pack and label donations that will be flown by the National Guard to Puerto Rico for distribution. Mayor Guardian will also be putting together a team to go there directly to cook meals and take them to people in remote towns that are not getting any relief. We are looking for donations of rice, beans, nutritious foods In flip-top cans, water and gift cards to grocery stores to purchase food.
I will keep you updated. Thanks, Linda

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